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Friday, February 12, 2010

Fame and Flattery

A few days ago I went into a shop here in Jeddah and the kindly clerk who assisted me recognized me from my blog. I was flattered - and surprised because I don't feel at all famous and I'm not, although Captain Kabob always calls me a ROCK STAR! I feel like I blog quietly in semi-obscurity within the confines of my somewhat gilded cage, so to speak. Writing is an outlet for me, a kind of therapy to help get me through the more difficult aspects of adjusting to life in this strange new world.

I certainly wasn't expecting the young man, himself a fellow blogger known as Mighty Dacz, to dedicate an entire post to me describing our chance meeting and what it meant to him. So I just had to share his lovely post with you and to thank him publicly for his kind words.

Susie...I read his post. So sweet. You do have an impact on an awful lot of people, I hope you plan on doing this for a long time. Without a doubt, this is one of the most informative blogs I have ever read.Thank you!

Oh my gosh, that is so cute Susie! He refers to your "mug shot" on your blog, lol!Susie forgive me if I am out of place but I wonder what your faith is? I know your husband has become much more practicing in his Islamic faith since coming back home, has he or his family ever tried to convert you? Do you have any religious beliefs? Are you able to practice them in Saudi? What do you think of Islam?Feel free to answer or not, if anything is too personal.I know you respect Islam, (and I know u know that not everything or perhaps MOST things in Saudi culture r Islamic)are you totally turned off to it because of the way it is practiced in Saudi?UmMuhammad

Since you seem to have so many fans, could you loan me a couple? (A few, that is, I don't necessarily need couples.) I promise to return them in good working condition.

Nobody comments on the Veeds of Arabia blog. Maybe I should adopt the veil and then ... whoosh ... whisk it off for dramatic effect. However I suspect the secret to your blogging success is not simply your hijab/no-hijab look. I suppose it also has to do with your excellent writing, great photos and discussion-worthy topics ... while I simply dabble in wordplay and drolleries.

hi ms susie, OMG! i must say i really envy my friend mighty dacz, he's so lucky! anyway, im so happy for him and excited, he even metioned me in his blog! actually he's encouraging me to write my own blog but im not a good writer, im contented of reading blogs and to mr veeds, i also read your blog! but ms susie, u really ROCKS!

Hi Mary - I thought the post he wrote was so cute, I just had to share it. Thanks!

Hi Diane - It does feel good, in a slightly embarassing kind of way.

Hi Queen - My husband is non-chalant about it, but his Saudi friend who was with us was shocked that this stranger knew who I was. It was pretty funny.

Hi Lori - Thanks so much - that's so kind of you to say!

Hi EyesSerene - Years ago, on my first big international trip, I ran into a client in New Zealand that I had sent on 6 month tour of the South Pacific. I had no idea I would be going on the trip when he left the states, and there he was, standing on a street corner as I drove by in a car. I have run into people like this on several occasions. It IS a small world!

I read the other blog- very nice tribute. We've actually met Susie, at a mutual friends house, but there were a lot of people, and I didn't know about your blog till later. I also am pretty sure I saw you at Caspar and Gambini's long ago. I didn'tknow who you were but you looked familiar (because I had met you at our friendws) -again before I discovered your blog. Next time I'll introduce myself!

I understand Susie.Even as a Muslim I understand your feelings. You must be the most patient loving person to be able to keep cool with your husband.Why dont you post on that Susie?How it is that you are so respectful in situations that he pushes you into?Is it just this younger generation that weve forgotten how to be respectful and put others before ourselves?/All of us young ladies are like"dont take that" "run" "I would have left without him" "find the next plane out of there"Really Susie how do you do it? Is it like good old fashioned values or something? Does he meet you in the middle on most things? Jessica

You look even more radiant without it.To be honest I hope it won't offend or upset you but the somber black of the hijab/abaya really does dampen your natural radiance.

That is probably the intended effect of wearing the hijab/abaya.

You look sadder and slightly more weary as well compared to your earlier photos.

You have incredible strength and courage and despite what some say about you having a good life and family - it doesn't mean you don't or shouldn't have a right or reason to feel isolated and disenfranchised with situations you encounter and feelings you feel.

Stay happy, positive and strong and remember, no matter where you go never allow a place to make you who you are and give you life - make it the other way around, make yourself the reason why the place has life and personality! :-)

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